Pathways to Employment: Your guide to a career in substance use services
This toolkit brings a range of information and support together into one resource for people with lived and living experience of substance use looking to pursue careers in the drug and alcohol sector.
Planning for employment
What do I need to know before I start?
It is important to remember that every person is different, and no two stories are the same.
If you are returning, or even entering employment for the first time, then it is not unusual to feel apprehensive. Often people worry that they are not ready to work. Past experiences can often rob us of self-belief, but it is important to recognise that your skills and experiences can help.
Should I consider volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way to start a career in substance use services. It helps build confidence, develop new skills, and allows you to understand if this type of work is right for you.
If you attend fellowship meetings, you may have the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities like volunteering for service roles or helping set up. SMART recovery meetings also offer opportunities to become a trained facilitator, which can lead to paid work.
Recovery communities can offer structured work to help you gain experience. The Scottish Recovery Consortium can help you to find services nearby.
Volunteering helps build a record of achievements, which is useful for future job opportunities. Many successful careers have started with volunteering. Organisations that may offer volunteer opportunities to people with your lived experience include:
- Change Grow Live
- CREW
- Scottish Drugs Forum
- Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol
- Scottish Recovery Consortium
- With You
Local volunteer opportunities can be found by asking within the services you use, the Volunteer Scotland website also lists opportunities. Additionally, there may be other options outside the substance use sector that can prove useful in building your confidence.
Organisations such as Scottish Recovery Consortium also offer peer support training and a safe space to help build confidence, skills, and knowledge.
Case Study: Harbour (Ayrshire), Transforming Lives Through Support and Employability
Harbour runs 13 volunteer-led peer support groups across Ayrshire, including three for families, fostering community and mutual support. They offer those affected by substance use a chance to focus on personal growth and employability.
Harbour’s work is trauma-informed and person-centred, helping individuals overcome barriers and transition into the workforce. After 30 days of engagement, people may become Harbour Helpers, which includes professional development opportunities. These roles include assisting volunteers, learning mental health first aid, confidence-building or working with the Community Support Vehicle to help those fleeing violence or facing homelessness.
This work is part of the five-stage ‘Bridge to Shore’ pathway, guiding individuals from recovery to employment. Harbour builds strong links with local employers, helping people with little or no work experience find meaningful jobs. Employers work closely with Harbour to match candidates for smooth workplace transitions.
Inspired by the University of Birmingham’s Better Than Well programme, Harbour provides a supportive environment for handling setbacks. Qualified counsellors and trainees address issues like unresolved trauma, ensuring people get the help they need during recovery.
Harbour’s trauma-informed approach includes therapeutic services, staff training in trauma care and peer networks, creating a safe and empathetic space for everyone. They connect people to external services for housing, mental health and work with partners like Women’s Aid, and local authorities to support broader needs for employment success.
Harbour’s efforts boost employability, confidence, and help people move into the workforce, especially in substance use fields. By supporting both individuals and staff, Harbour makes a lasting impact on lives and communities.
Success Story: One success story to highlight is Neil. Neil’s story highlights Harbour’s impact. Starting with little work experience, he followed the Bridge to Shore pathway, becoming a group facilitator and helpline supporter. Today, Neil is a full-time manager who continues to volunteer, giving back to the community.